Local business finalist for B.C. award

A local business was spotlighted on a provincial level Monday. That is when the nominees were disclosed for the 15th Annual Small Business BC Awards.

Prince George industrial services company Pathfinder Endeavours, located at 598 Fourth Avenue, was shortlisted as one of the top businesses in the province in the Best Employer category. They are in the running with Aequilibrium from Vancouver, The Directorship from Vancouver, Imperial Custom Wood Finishing Ltd. from Abbotsford, and Island Lake Lodge in Fernie.

On a regional level, Northern Legendary Construction Ltd. in Fort St. John and Technicon Industries of Terrace are both among the nominees in the Best Apprentice Training category.

"Out of the nearly 600 small businesses from across B.C. who were nominated for the awards, there are now only five businesses in each award category moving forward in the judging process, and one step closer to being named a top B.C. small business," said a statement from Small Business BC.

Pathfinder Endeavours provides a menu of industrial services in the fields of forestry, petroleum, archaeology, vegetation control, with a strong commercial-residential-industrial electrical arm, and more. It is a significant player in the supply chain network based in Prince George.

Small Business BC said of the local company: "Pathfinder is committed to becoming a leader in environmental stewardship and in the utility industry while simultaneously transferring profitability to their employees through a comprehensive salary and benefits program. Pathfinder has an excellent training program that begins with mentorship and continues with ongoing opportunities for professional development and specialized job training. Employees are recruited from various forestry, environmental, scientific, and even business backgrounds from across the country to fill various roles within the company."

The company added "The culture at Pathfinder is second to none. We work alongside the business owners in a fun and respectful atmosphere. Safety, strategy, productivity, are our goals while working to produce the highest quality, most cost effective product for the client."

About 20 people work for Pathfinder, which opened in 1997. They have been nominated for B.C. Business Awards in the past. This year's trophies are bestowed on Feb. 23.